A detailed 18th-century etching by Andrea Zucchi, depicting the mythological parting of Aurora and Tithonus after a composition by Tintoretto.

This print by Andrea Zucchi depicts the classical myth of Aurora, the goddess of the dawn, taking leave of her mortal lover, Tithonus. The composition is based on a work by Tintoretto, originally located in the Palazzo Donato at San Gervasio e Protasio in Venice. Zucchi, a Venetian engraver, captures the dramatic tension of the scene through precise line work and tonal variation.

Aurora is shown in a dynamic pose, her form illuminated by a radiant light source behind her, which suggests the coming day. Tithonus, depicted with a weary, aged physique, contrasts with the youthful energy of the goddess. A peacock, the attribute of Juno, appears in the background, adding a layer of mythological iconography to the scene. The figures are positioned upon a cloud, reinforcing the celestial setting of the narrative.

Zucchi employs a sophisticated technique of etching and engraving to translate the painterly qualities of the original Tintoretto into a monochrome medium. The hatching and cross-hatching define the musculature of the figures and the soft texture of the drapery. The inclusion of the original Italian inscription at the base of the print provides historical context, identifying the source of the composition and the location of the original painting. This work reflects the 18th-century Venetian practice of documenting and disseminating the city's artistic treasures through printmaking. The print serves as a record of a specific Venetian decorative scheme, preserving the visual language of the late Renaissance master for a wider audience. The balance between the light-filled background and the shadowed foreground figures demonstrates the technical proficiency of Zucchi in managing complex tonal ranges within a graphic format.